NORTHERN IRELAND

It is in the northeast of Ireland (island). Actually, first whole Ireland was a part of the United Kingdom (and that is why then it was called “The United Kingdom of Great Britan and Ireland”. However, in 1921 Ireland became a republic. Six counties located in the northeast of Ireland made up what is now known as Northern Ireland. The name “The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was adopted in 1927 and it has been so until today.

Ulster is an informal nickname for Northern Ireland but actually it refers to one of four provinces of Ireland. And in 1921 six of the nine Ulster counties made up Northern Ireland. The remaining three counties and the other three provinces: Munster, Leinster and Connacht/Connaught, made up the Republic of Ireland.

Three languages are official in Northern Ireland. These are:

English

Ullans (Ulster-Scots) – a variant of Scots.

Irish

source:www.flags-and-anthems.com

Northern
Irish flag is a bit similar to the English one. There is a red cross on the white
background with a crown and the Red Hand of Ulster at the centre. Its official
name is ‘the Ulster Banner’, but the flag is also called ‘the Red Hand Flag’ or
simply ‘the flag of Northern Ireland’/’the Northern Ireland flag’. To be
honest, ‘the Red Hand Flag’ is no longer used for official purposes – instead,
the Union Flag is used (it’s also the official flag of Northern Ireland).

St. Patrick is actually a patron saint of Ireland. When we think about Ireland as an island, then he’s also the patron saint of Northern Ireland.His day is on March 17 and it’s celebrated in many countries. Read more about St. Patrick’s Day here.

The shamrock is associated with Ireland as well. It’s the national flower of Ireland and should be traced back to Irish Druids. Moreover, it is said that St. Patrick used the plant in his teachings. But remember! It’s not a four-leaf clover. Its name comes from Irish ‘seamrog’ which means ‘a little clover’ or ‘a young clover’. And indeed, it’s a young spring of white clover, but it has three, heart-shaped leaves. The shamrock has been Ireland’s most well-known symbol.

The capital city of Northern Ireland is Belfast; and it’s the second largest city on the island of Ireland. It’s famous for its shipyards and mainly for the two cranes, called Samson and Goliath, located in the Harland & Wolff shipyard. They are protected under the Historic Monuments Act of Northern Ireland. Moreover, the world’s largest dry dock is there. Is there anyone who hasn’t heard about HMS Titanic? Well, it was built right there! For Titatanic fans there is also a museum – Titanic Belfast. Just have a look:

There are a lot of things to see. For instance, the Albert Memorial Clock, which is a recognizable landmark of Belfast. It is a clock tower built in Gothic style. It was erected to commemorate Queen Victioria’s husband. The interior is not accessible to the public.

What else can you see in Northern Ireland? Do the following exercise and find out!